The future of any salon or spa relies on the strength of its recruitment and training program. We invited ST200 applicants to write to a graduating student and describe their methods for cultivating candidates, their interviewing processes and expectations, and the unique stages of their training programs. Extra points went to salons that developed sophisticated relationships with area schools, scientific system for screening candidates, and creative ways to ensure new hires were ready to hit the floor.

AmericanaAlpine, TXsalonamericana.comJenny GrishamSQUARE FEET: 2,000TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 5TRAINING PROGRAM: 6 monthsWEEKLY INSTRUCTION: 5 hoursAVERAGE # OF TRAINEES: 1AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $45BEST-SELLING RETAIL: AvedaCOLOR: AvedaTECH SUPPORT: STXASSOCIATION: PBA“Our small size enables us to customize training in order to to efficiently move staff to the next level so they may get on the floor in as little as three months. They can expect to be fully competent in cutting, coloring, styling, botanical treatments, texture services, waxing, and, if they like, facials, manicures and pedicures.”

Balance Day SpaGreensboro, NCbalancedayspa.comAdora LLCSQUARE FEET: 10,000/4,800/2,800/2,600TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 87TRAINING PROGRAM: 3 monthsWEEKLY INSTRUCTION: 4 hoursAVERAGE # OF TRAINEES: 6BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Private LabelTECH SUPPORT: Millennium, Constant Contact“In 2011, we had a high demand for nail technicians but were unsuccessful at filling positions due to a lack of suitable candidates. So we started a nail scholarship program, deciding to pay for the tuition of six individuals to attend a local nail school. We received more than 80 applications and by the end of the year we were able to meet demand. Sometimes you have to think out of the box.”

Caruh Salon & SpaSeattle, WAcaruh.comCyndi Taylor DeSotoSQUARE FEET: 3,500TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 28TRAINING PROGRAM: 6 monthsWEEKLY INSTRUCTION:16 hoursAVERAGE # OF TRAINEES: 4AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $60BEST-SELLING RETAIL: AvedaCOLOR: AvedaTECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Heaven GroupASSOCIATION: PBA“We put tremendous effort into maintaining close relationships with local cosmetology, esthetic and massage schools. We participate in career fairs, host presentations throughout the year and invite students to tour our salon. We give them a gift certificate to be a guest so they can experience the Caruh difference.”

Jamison Shaw HairdressersAtlanta, GAjamisonshaw.comCandy Shaw CodnerSQUARE FEET: 5,000TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 50TRAINING PROGRAM: 6-12 monthsWEEKLY INSTRUCTION: 8-12 hoursAVERAGE # OF TRAINEES: 15AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $55BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Jamison Shaw Hairdressers (private label), Nioxin, MoroccanoilCOLOR: WellaTECH SUPPORT: MillenniumASSOCIATION: Intercoiffure“Whenever we teach at a beauty school, the first thing we do is invite students to turn on their smartphones and download our free app, ‘like’ us on Facebook, and invite them to follow us on Twitter. We offer prizes to students who come up during breaks and demonstrate that they have done all three.”

Landis Lifestyles SalonSalt Lake City, UTlandissalon.comGreen Endeavors, Inc.SQUARE FEET: 4,000/3,000TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 104TRAINING PROGRAM: 11 monthsWEEKLY INSTRUCTION: 16 hoursAVERAGE # OF TRAINEES: 6AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $42BEST-SELLING RETAIL: AvedaCOLOR: AvedaTECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, SEO Strategies“We hold group interviews and auditions roughly once every six weeks. Candidates are offered a working interview for a half day of shadowing/assisting to determine whether we are a fit for one another. Select candidates are invited back for a working audition, and we ask they do their favorite color and a one-length bob on a female model and a scissor-over-comb cut on a male model.”New Identities Hair Studios of TampaTampa, FLnewidentitiessalon.comMarc and Kelly RockquemoreSQUARE FEET: 2,000/2,400TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 39TRAINING PROGRAM: 6 monthsWEEKLY INSTRUCTION: 32 hoursAVERAGE # OF TRAINEES: 5-7AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $31BEST-SELLING RETAIL: Redken, Pureology, BosleyCOLOR: RedkenTECH SUPPORT: MillenniumASSOCIATIONS: Florida Retail Federation“Each associate is assigned to one of our top stylists, where they have the opportunity to learn in a hands-on, one-on-one mentorship scenario. At the end of the program, the associate must test out with a different educator at a different salon location—this is a checks and balances system between our educators.”

Remedez Hair SpaOrem, UTremedez.comTyler Gambill, Cynthia Gambill and Bernie Nielsen SQUARE FEET: 2,900TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 35TRAINING PROGRAM: 6 monthsWEEKLY INSTRUCTION: 6 hours AVERAGE # OF TRAINEES: 1AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $30BEST-SELLING RETAIL: AvedaCOLOR: AvedaTECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, Demandforce, Spa Boom“Applicants go through a series of four interviews—a phone interview, a face-to-face interview, a technical interview where they are given a photograph and asked to duplicate the look on a mannequin, then a final interview with the director of education and a master stylist.”

Vanity SalonHouston, TXvanity-salon.comGlennis TolunaySQUARE FEET: 3,200TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 27TRAINING PROGRAM: 12 monthsWEEKLY INSTRUCTION: 8 hoursAVERAGE # OF TRAINEES: 3AVERAGE CUT & STYLE: $68BEST-SELLING RETAIL: AvedaCOLOR: AvedaTECH SUPPORT: SalonBiz, DemandforceASSOCIATION: PBA“To graduate, apprentices have to create a hairdressing event, in which they select their own music, and an overall theme for their show. Each is required to have 12 models, showcasing 12 different cutting and coloring applications, as well as one creative updo. Shows are presented to employees, educators and their friends and family.”

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About the Author:

Stacey Soble

Stacey Soble has been involved in the conversation of salon business for nearly two decades—as a reporter, a consultant and as the editor in chief of SALON TODAY. She has been responsible for growing the brand's celebrated recognition programs, SALON TODAY 200, and SALONS OF THE YEAR, and has launched two new competitions in recent years--STAMP (SALON TODAY's Annual Marketing Program) and the SALON TODAY Total Makeover Competition. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of salon business at industry events.